Minoxidil is a topical medication used to treat hair loss and help regrow hair. It works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp to increase nutrient delivery to hair follicles, effectively "waking them up" and shifting them into an active growth phase.

What strength of minoxidil is best for women?

Both 2% and 5% minoxidil are effective and well tolerated for women with hair loss. In some studies, women report better results with 5%.

How long does minoxidil take to work for women?

Visible improvements from minoxidil typically appear within 4-6 months, and results get better with ongoing use - with the optimal results emerging after 12 months of treatment. Other ingredients present in our serum (i.e. caffeine and tretinoin) can further accelerate the results.

Can women use minoxidil for men?

Both women and men can benefit from minoxidil, but it's best to use the formulation a clinician recommends for you. Different concentrations suit different people based on hair loss type, skin sensitivity, and risk of side effects. Minoxidil is not recommended for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What’s the difference between minoxidil for men and women?

Formulations and concentrations may differ based on clinical considerations like efficacy and tolerability.A clinician can recommend the most appropriate option for you.

Can women get minoxidil on the NHS?

Minoxidil is not routinely available from NHS services for hair loss. You'll typically need to obtain it from private providers.

What is the best time to apply minoxidil?

Consistency matters more than specific timing. Apply at consistent times each day - typically morning and evening for twice-daily use, or the same time daily for once-daily formulations. You should leave at least 2 hours between application and washing your hair.Learn more about how to use minoxidil safely.

Does minoxidil 5% work for women?

Yes, 5% minoxidil is effective for women with pattern hair loss. Both 2% and 5% are well-tolerated, and some studies show women report better results with 5%, though with some formulations it may cause slightly more scalp irritation.

Are there alternatives to minoxidil for women?

Alternatives include oral minoxidil and certain hormonal therapies. However, topical minoxidil is the only licensed treatment for female pattern hair loss and has the strongest evidence base.

Does minoxidil work for women going through menopause?

Yes, minoxidil can be effective for menopausal women. Hormonal changes during menopause often trigger hair thinning, and minoxidil helps by prolonging the hair growth phase and improving blood flow to follicles.

Is minoxidil safe for pregnant women?

No, minoxidil is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Can women use finasteride or dutasteride together with minoxidil?

Yes, some women use finasteride and minoxidil together, particularly postmenopausal women. Studies show the combination may produce better results than either treatment alone, since they work in distinct ways. Some women use dutasteride and minoxidil together, since they treat hair loss in different ways. However, evidence for dutasteride in women is more limited than for finasteride.

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Regrowth starts here

Treat hair loss at the root

Minoxidil boosts blood flow and supports follicle health, treating hair loss from within.

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Once or twice daily treatments that go straight to the root to promote hair regrowth in as little as 4-6 months.

Hair, meet Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a hair growth stimulant that improves blood flow to the hair follicles, ensuring they are well-nourished. This helps hair stay in its growth phase for longer, halts further hair loss, and promotes regrowth, leading to increased strength and thickness over time.

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FAQ

Minoxidil Serum: Everything You Need to Know

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Bechstein, Medical Director

TeamMeet our medical team

Our medical team is at the heart of everything we do, offering expert care, thoughtful advice, and support you can trust at every step of your journey.

Dr. Sarah BechsteinMedical Director

Eve AgwunchaPharmacist, Ind. Prescriber

Bentley Ifediora-EzikePharmacist, Ind. Prescriber

Michael Sam-YorkePharmacist, Ind. Prescriber

Articles

Learn about female hair loss

FEMALE HAIR LOSS

References

^¹

Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51–70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6.

^²

Desai, D. D., Nohria, A., Sikora, M., Anyanwu, N., Shapiro, J., & Lo Sicco, K. I. (2024). Comparative analysis of low-dose oral minoxidil with spironolactone versus finasteride or dutasteride in female androgenetic alopecia management. Archives of Dermatological Research, 316(9). doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03361-x.

^³

Gupta, A. K., Economopoulos, V., Mann, A., Wang, T., & Mirmirani, P. (2025). Menopause and hair loss in women: Exploring the hormonal transition. Maturitas, 198, 108378. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108378.

^⁴

Müller Ramos, P., Melo, D. F., Radwanski, H., de Almeida, R. F. C., & Miot, H. A. (2023). Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 98(4), 506–519. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2022.09.006.

^⁵

Rodrigues-Barata, Rita., et al. “Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Unicenter Descriptive Study of 148 Women.” Skin Appendage Disorders vol. 6, 3 (2020): 175-176.

^⁶

van Zuuren, E. J., Fedorowicz, Z., & Schoones, J. (2016). Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(5). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007628.pub4.

^⁷

Zac, Renata I., & Da Costa, A. “Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Adult Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Using 5% Topical Minoxidil.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology vol. 14, 6 (2021): 33–37. PMCID: PMC8211325.

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